Provincial government officials say at least seven people have died in flooding in South Africa after a weather front bringing heavy rain and snow hit eastern and southern provinces.

At least 49 people, including several schoolchildren, have been killed in the floods that have swept through South Africa's Eastern Cape province as torrential rain and snow have hit parts of the country. "The numbers are just escalating hour after hour. The situation is so bad on the ground," provincial premier Oscar Mabuyane said.

At least seven dead as snow and floods hit South AfricaGreater Kokstad Local Municipality This natural gas field in Turkmenistan has been on fire for decades, but officials say it may soon be running on empty.